Why did Armand's life change after meeting the Calcet children? 

Julia (13): "He softened up to them." 

Gabe (11): "He was able to see that kids aren't as bad as he thought and he found out they were fun to hang out with."

Evy (8): "Because he actually got to know what kids are like."

Michael (6): "Because he wanted to make them happy."

Daniel (6): "I don't know... what did Michael say? ... Well, that's what I was about to say!"

Mom's Notes: This book has been sitting unread on our shelf for years and years. I pulled it out because I heard the little story takes place at Christmastime. We read it in a few sittings and cheered in our hearts for the sweet Calcet family and their "Grandpa" who get a home by a sweet mercy in the end. Once Armand was willing to put himself forward and work for those he had come to love, the pieces fell beautifully in to place. The kids wished we could have read about the Calcet's reaction upon moving in, but I thought Armand's vision of the shabby apartment becoming a home was more than a perfect ending. 

 

Black Hawk

 

Mom's Notes: We read this as we learned in about the Native American tribes. It was sobering to read about the hardships, prejudices, problems of miscommunication, and tragedies for all involved during this difficult time in history. But I'm so grateful we did. It helps so much to be able to see through the eyes of Black Hawk as he struggles with how to preserve his people. I hope to read his autobiography someday. 

Jo's Boys

Mom's Notes: We made it back to Plumfield! Honestly, I really can't decide which book in this series is my favorite. Dan's story in this one is so raw and heart-wrenching. The characters are so dear to us! There is much to learn and admire as we follow their failings, growth, successes, and change. It's been an honor and a joy for me personally to read several of Lousia May Aclott's book over the past year. Her short Christmas stories are currently being read and loved in our home. I definitely want to read many more of her books, and plan on revisiting this series every few years. She may have "closed the curtain on the March family forever," but we can lift it right back up to see them all at it again! I'm already looking forward to it...

Slave Boy in Judea

Mom's Notes: This book reminded us a lot of Bree's enslavement in the Viking Quest series. We can't even begin to imagine what it would truly feel like to be owned by someone else. These books give us an idea, and the concept of forgiving even one's captor is beautiful and freeing in and of itself. 

 

Return to the Willows

 

Mom's Notes: Julia had this one on her book shelf, as Grandma had gifted it to her years ago. All the kids were on board for more adventures with the characters they can't stop talking (and singing) about! We thought the author created a fun and creative sequel, staying mostly true to the spirit of the original story, with a little more action and whimsy. The author's asides were funny and informative. We also got a good laugh out of the chapter headings!

The Wind in the Willows

 

Who is your favorite character and why? 

Julia (13): "Ratty. I just like his style."

Gabe (11): "Mr. Otter. I like him because he's an otter, and otters are epic boiz in Redwall." 

Evy (8): "I like Toad because he's crazy!" 

Daniel (6): "Rat - because he goes on a boat. And I like swimming and going on boats."

Michael (6): "Rat - because he goes in water."

Where would you rather live: the riverbank, underground, the Wild Wood, or Toad Hall?

Julia: "Toad Hall. It's a mansion. I mean, who wouldn't want a mansion? I'd just make it a toad-free hall." 

Gabe: "I'd live in the Wild Wood so I could beat up foxes, weasels, and stoats." 

Evy: "Toad Hall - because it's fun.

Daniel: "Toad Hall - because it's a house, and it's a mansion!"

Michael: "The Riverbank - because I like being in the water."

Mom's Notes: This is one I remember my mom reading aloud to us kids. We still talk about "messing about in boats" to this day! We picked it up as a first read aloud this year for two reasons: because Julia's school group is planning to perform the musical this year, and because our science unit is about mammals. I haven't read it for a decade, and I forgot how truly delightful it is. We listened to many of the chapters via Librivox. The reader was phenomenal and we'll surely listen again in the future! I personally love Ratty and his genuine care for others. He doesn't always get it right, but he is generally quick to see the error in his ways and make it up the best he can. The way he praised Mole's humble home when all he wished for was to be in his own beloved house on the river was truly selfless. 

Charlotte's Web

Would you like to have a baby pig for a pet? 

Daniel (6): "No, because the pig would go in mud and stuff." 

Michael (6): "Yeah. No. Well, I do want one but I don't want to take care of it." 

Tell me one way Charlotte was a true friend to Wilbur? 

Daniel: "She built the web so Wilbur won't be dead." 

Michael: "Her helped him." 

Mom's Notes: We've been slowly reading this book all summer. It's really the first read-aloud the buddies have fully participated in. I remember one day, a few chapters in, Daniel was being stubborn and wouldn't join Michael and me as we snuggled up with the book on my bed. We began reading anyway. It didn't take long for Daniel to make his way over to us and this barnyard story that afternoon. I didn't have to ask twice for him to join us after that. :) 

It's been years since I last read this book, and I had forgotten how beautiful the description of Charlotte's selfless sacrifice is. She's always watching from the corner, unnoticed, when Wilbur is praised. Her loyal friendship and love instill confidence in the uncertain pig. She's truthful with him, even when she knows it'll be hard for him to bear, but is ready to comfort and talk him through those times. And at the end of her short time, Charlotte explains to Wilbur that he will live a full, wonderful life. She poetically describes what he'll experience, then she says, "All these sights and sounds and smells will be yours to enjoy, Wilbur - this lovely world, these precious days..." I'm so grateful the best stories can enrich our lives and testify of truth with every reading. 

Melissa Across the Fence

What questions would you write on your chalkboard if you were getting to know a new friend? 

Evy: "How do you like your house? What's your last name? Do you like dogs? How many siblings do you have? Do you like chickens?... I do!"

What would your back-window-friend call you? 

Evy: "Chicken Lady!" 

Mom's Notes: Evy and I read this perfectly sweet little book over the course of a few days. I fell in love with the correspondence story when I read it for myself out in the hammock one Sunday afternoon earlier this summer, so I was eager to recommend it. Evy adores the story now too! We were both so relieved when Bim and Victor were reunited and the fairy-tale ending put smiles on our faces. 

The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic

Mom's Notes: I decided to read this book aloud after we took an online creative writing class from Jennifer Trafton (via The Read-Aloud Revival). We definitely recognized some of the writing techniques in her book! This is a silly, fun, intriguing story with unexpected surprises all along the way. It was a light, easy read that was fun to end our school year with - especially during some of the heaviness of the COVID-19 stuff going on. Evy immediately recommended it to neighbor Avery, who borrowed and read it right away. 

Esperanza Rising

Mom's Notes: This book is beautiful. Julia read it last year and suggested I read it myself. I'm so grateful I did. And I'm so grateful we pulled it out to read as we learned about The Great Depression. (We happened to read the chapter about the big dust storm the very day we had a history lesson on The Dust Bowl.) Esperanza's story is full of heartbreak, grief, anger, confusion, forgiveness, charity, sacrifice, love, and growth. So, yes, I cried throughout. Julia had to finish the very last sentence of the book for me. My personal opinion is that this story, written so gently for children but not leaving out what needs to be there, is nearly perfect.

What is your favorite episode in the story? 

Julia (12): "Patty-pans." 

Gabe (10): "When Dan burns down the house... because Tommy says, 'Thunder Turtles!'"

Evy (7): "I like when the girls set up the ball for the boys." 

We'll read the last book in the series soon. Which child's future are you most interested to know about? 

Julia (12): "Stuffy, because he's funny. And Nan, because I want to see if she'll love Tommy." 

Gabe (10): "Stuffy... because he's... Stuffy." 

Evy (7): "I want to know what Stuffy becomes!" 

Mom's Notes: I read this for the first time myself last summer. I find it hard to believe it took me decades to pick up the sequel to a book I named a favorite when I was ten years old! Somehow I missed it all those years, but it'll forever have a spot on our bookshelves and in my heart now. I believe the kids feel the same. There is just so much to in here to learn, love, and laugh about. I scribbled down a page of quotes (mainly highlighting the wisdom and patience the Bhaers show while raising the children) and I could've filled several. To celebrate the story upon completion, we played a fun round of Imaginiff with the book characters as the subjects, then watched a movie version. Gabe, especially, is looking forward to reading "Jo's Boys." We love LMA! 

The Chocolate Touch

What did John learn from his chocolate curse? 

Michael (5): :"Don't eat chocolate."

Daniel (5): "He shouldn't eat chocolate. Or only a bit."

Evy (7): "He learned to never sneak chocolate!"

Gabe (10): "He learned that he couldn't live with just chocolate." 

Julia (12): "He learned that milk can be better than chocolate sometimes." 

Mom's Notes: It has been years since we read this, and I wanted a book that would lure the buddies in. This did the trick! We were all on edge to find out what would happen to John and all those involved with his chocolaty problem...

Viking Quest Books 3,4, & 5

Bree, Devin, and Mikkel all proved to be courageous in many different ways. Tell me your favorite example of "courage to win" in this series. 

Julia (12): "I like when Bree runs away from the viking ship with Lil."

Gabe (10): "Mikkel went back to Ireland. If the people found out he was there, then they would want to kill him. But he went there anyway, to return Bree and Devin. 

Evy (7): "Bree gave up her chance to come home. So Lil could go home."

Daniel (5): Bree was the bravest because she went on the boat."

Michael (5): "Mikkel was brave when Bree fell in the water." 

Mom's Notes: We couldn't stay away from Bree, Devin, and Mikkel for long! We were all excited to pick right back up where we left off. It truly feels like we've been along on the whole adventure with them. Mikkel's change of heart is beautiful and realistic, given the passage of time and events. We truly could not put the book down as we neared the end of the series, so we snuggled in and read for nearly two hours one Monday morning. (Hooray for a flexible homeschool schedule!) My hoarse voice actually made it to the very, very end, then suddenly gave out! It was kind of crazy. Anyway, I'm so glad these books are on our shelves so we can revisit and learn from and with these characters again. We want a movie!